It has not even been two weeks since Super Bowl XLV and we are already feeling lost. Sure, basketball is entertaining, but NOTHING beats the thrill and excitement of the gridiron. As we look back, we are highlighting some of the players whom we personally found to be the biggest surprises and disappointments of the 2010 season. Before long it will be time to move on and talk about the possible impending NFL lockout, the 2011 draft and other player, coach and team issues. But for now, let us bask just a bit more in last season and some of its hot and not-so-hot players!

Biggest Player Surprises

Arian Foster

Houston RB Arian Foster ranked 1st in rushing in the NFL during the regular season, running for over 1600 yards and 16 TDs. Foster also had over 600 receiving yards and 2 TDs, which ranked 1st for running backs in the NFL. Foster has come a long way. I remember being at the 2007 Outback Bowl in Tampa when Penn State played the Tennessee Volunteers. Foster was playing for the Vols. and with the score tied in the fourth quarter, Foster fumbled the ball near the goal line. A Nittany Lion returned it 88 yards for a TD and PSU ultimately went on to win 20-10. That notorious fumble gave him a reputation for inconsistent ball handling, and in 2009, Foster entered the league as an undrafted rookie. That season he started in just one game. But he started off 2010 in a blaze of glory. In the first game vs. the Colts, Foster had 231 yards rushing and 3 TDs. It was the 2nd best rushing performance on opening day in NFL history, falling just 19 yards short of O.J. Simpson’s 1973 opening day performance.

T.O.

Terrell Owens ended his season early with the Cincinnati Bengals due to a torn meniscus. T.O.’s season was a pleasant surprise. He had 72 catches for almost 1000 yards and 9 TDs. T.O’s supreme confidence and his constant desire to talk about himself and his athletic abilities have created a large number of haters and skeptics. Like him or not, he had a surprising comeback season. Unfortunately, the Bengals had an abysmal 4-12 season and failed to make the playoffs. Since T.O. is a free agent, it is anyone’s guess what team he will end up on.

LaDainian Tomlinson

31 year old Tomlinson had a resurgent 2010 season with the NY Jets. Many considered him past his prime and believed he would serve as the backup to Jets RB Shonn Greene. But Tomlinson got more carries than Greene and rushed for over 900 yards and 6 TDs. These may not be mind blowing stats. But given the pre-season predictions regarding L.T., he certainly surprised many fans, critics and media members with his important contributions to the Jets.

Michael Vick

Ahhh..one last chance to talk about our favorite player! You really didn’t think we would keep Michael Vick off this list, did you?! If you’re a regular reader, you already know how deep our love for Vick runs. We have always been believers, but many considered Vick a non-factor for the 2010 season. Pundits predicted the Eagles would use him in limited “gimmick” plays for short yardage. But when Kevin Kolb got injured, Vick seized the opportunity and showed he had not missed a step from his playing days before being incarcerated. In fact, Vick’s hard work and off field preparations were evident and he played better than ever. He rightfully earned the starting position and threw for over 3000 yards, 21 TDs and had a passer rating of 100.2. He rushed for nearly 700 yards and 9 TDs. At 30 years of age, Vick’s comeback was one best surprise of the season!

Biggest Player Disappointments

Chris Johnson

In 2009, Tennessee Titans RB Chris Johnson tore up the NFL as he rushed for 2006 yards. Football enthusiasts had high hopes for Johnson this past season. In fact, he was the number one draft pick in most fantasy football leagues. Prior to the start of the season, Johnson himself predicted he would rush for 2500 yards. It was a bold prediction to make and he fell considerably short. Johnson rushed for over 1300 yards and 11 TDs, ranking 4th in rushing overall in the NFL for the regular season. These are impressive numbers, but given pre-season hype and expectations, we can’t help but be a bit disappointed.

Brett Favre

We have always loved Brett Favre. His place in NFL history can never be taken away. This past season, though, was a difficult one to watch as Favre dealt with struggles both on and off the field. His scandal with a former NY Jets employee, coupled with his injuries and on the field play – 11 TDs and 19 INTS – were unfortunate ways for the “gunslinger” to leave the NFL. Favre’s streak for consecutive starts was ended this season as well. After 297 consecutive starts over 19 seasons, the 41 year old legend finally succumbed to an injury to his throwing shoulder that he simply could not overcome. We will forever love and respect Favre. It seems jumping on the “anti-Favre” bandwagon has become fashionable. But we refuse to ignore the incredible legacy he built both on and off the field, despite the way this particular season unfolded.

Randy Moss

Another player people love to hate is the never dull Randy Moss. Sure, he may be brash and outspoken. But Moss still possesses the raw athletic ability, speed and capacity to out jump even the most talented cornerbacks. We contend that he can find success with an NFL team in the future, but it needs to be with a team that uses him correctly and can handle his personality. But his selection to 7 Pro Bowls was not a fluke. Moss has talent that cannot be denied. This season, he was the center of a number of controversies and was traded by both the Patriots and the Vikings. He played his remaining games with the Tennessee Titans, but they have announced that his future with them is uncertain. Given the right circumstances, we believe Randy Moss can shine once again. Unfortunately, he did not shine this season, which is quite sad for those of us who still believe in his talent.

Our list of surprises and disappointments is, of course, incomplete. There were many players that, like a phoenix, seemingly emerged from the ashes and had brilliant seasons. Others simply crashed and burned. This unpredictability is what makes each season so captivating. While players’ surprising and/or disappointing performances can frustrate our most carefully planned fantasy teams (we speak from personal experience!), we would not trade it for the world!

We have been gone for a few days, squeezing out the last of the holiday festivities before getting back to reality. As we head into 2011, we have made our list of resolutions, hoping to accomplish at least a few of the things we long to do this coming year!

In that spirit, we offer the following New Year’s resolutions for some of our favorite (and not so favorite) football-related individuals and others from 2010.

Mike Shanahan

I resolve to faithfully read the “Miss Manners” advice column so I can learn the meaning of respect and apply it to those around me, particularly legendary quarterbacks who have earned it.

I resolve to go to my local Barnes & Noble to purchase “Coaching Football for Dummies” in hopes that I can learn SOMETHING useful to salvage my professional career.

The New York Jets

We resolve to hire Strength and Conditioning coaches who work on OUR players and not the other team’s players.

We resolve to recognize that women are more than just Barbie Dolls and can actually contribute to sports.

Brett Favre

I resolve to get rid of my cell phone.

I resolve to take the hint from the injuries Gods and finally retire for REAL.

Randy Moss

I resolve to keep all thoughts about the superb abilities of former coaches and teammates tucked away securely in my head, especially during post-game press conferences.

I resolve to keep all comments regarding catered foods and canines to myself.

Roger Goodell

I resolve to keep Vince Lombardi from turning in his grave by never postponing games due to snow and wind.

I resolve to keep the word “Wussie” from ever being associated with the NFL again.

I resolve to keep the NFL from turning into the National Flag League by concentrating on REAL player safety issues instead of legitimate hard hits.

Cam Newton

I resolve to never listen to my father’s advice.

I resolve to take lots of pics with my Heisman, since I will undoubtedly be returning it within the next few years.

Ohio State

We resolve to stop being an NFL player factory and at least APPEAR to provide an education.

Here we are, in week 9 of the NFL schedule, which means we are half way through the regular season! Time flies when you’re having fun. As we reflect on what has unfolded in the NFL thus far, we were inspired to say it with poetry. (Don’t ask why, frankly, we really don’t know)

A month ago, as I heard the breaking news that Randy Moss had been traded by the New England Patriots to the Minnesota Vikings, I could barely contain my excitement. I literally skipped to my closet to reclaim my purple 84 jersey that had been buried in the back. Moss with Favre? It was a dream come true!

Now, after playing in a mere four games, Moss has been released from the team. The story is making headlines across all sports media outlets, with most writers, reporters and analysts seemingly jumping on the anti-Moss bandwagon.

There are reports that Moss was agitated about a post-practice catered meal and spoke out loudly and disrespectfully in front of the restaurant owners. The tirade made some players, coaches and other personnel uncomfortable and embarrassed. If this did occur as has been reported, there is no excuse for Moss’ behavior. It was rude. Was it bad enough to get him kicked off the team? I would hope not!

Last Sunday, after a disappointing loss against the Patriots, Moss spoke to the media in a post-game press conference. He didn’t take any questions from reporters. Instead, for about 5 minutes, he did what Randy always does – he spoke his mind. See, that is the thing with Randy Moss. He is candid, outspoken, and at times, a bit irreverent.

In Sunday’s post game speech, Moss openly praised his former teammates and their work ethics and even called Patriot coach Bill Belichick the “best coach in history”. Moss also revealed his frustration that the Vikings coaching staff seemed to ignore his attempts at providing insights into the offensive tendencies of New England. He did not filter his emotions. He had just suffered a 28-18 loss to a team that had traded him and was disappointed and aggravated. Were these blunt remarks enough to justify his removal from the team? Again, I would hope not!

Apparently, Vikings coach Brad Childress believes that Moss’ locker room rant and post game press conference were compelling reasons to send Moss packing. Tact is not one of Randy’s traits, but EVERYONE knows that. Moss’ history with other teams is no secret. His open and flippant comments are legendary. Childress knew exactly who he was getting when he traded a 3rd round draft pick to the Patriots to get Moss.

The Vikings now stand at 2-5 and are tied for last place in the NFC North. Favre has been battling two fractures in his ankles, a jarring hit to his jaw last week and a personal scandal involving a former NY Jets female employee. Does Childress really think the Vikings need yet ANOTHER scandal and distraction?

Moss’ post game remarks and locker room meltdown were certainly selfish. That type of behavior can indeed divide a team. But, again, Childress knew that was the risk when he signed Moss. It seems that the coaching criticisms Moss spoke about were simply too much for Childress’s fragile self esteem and he reacted in an immature and hasty way. Why not fine Moss for these behaviors or suspend him for a game?

Some Moss haters have pointed out number 84’s mediocre stats since signing with the Vikings 4 weeks ago as another justification for waiving him. Moss scored 2 TDs and had 13 catches for 174 yards, but those stats alone are deceiving. His mere presence caused defenses to respect and cover him, thereby allowing greater opportunities for RB Adrian Peterson and fellow receiver Percy Harvin.

As a coach, Childress has the responsibility to build a successful team. When the Vikings signed Moss a month ago, they did it with the expectation that he could help them win. While the Vikings went 1-3 since Moss joined the roster, there is no doubt that he was an asset to the team. Now we are left to wonder what his real impact could have been this season. Given more time, would Moss and Favre have developed that indefinable chemistry that makes some QB/WR duos so successful? Would Adrian Peterson have had more holes opened up as defenses were forced to cover speedy Moss? We can only speculate now that Childress has hastily dropped Randy.

Childress made a colossal mistake in kicking Moss out. A competent and professional coach should be able to manage the wide variety of personalities on an NFL team. A confident leader would not have had such a knee-jerk reaction and made such a drastic move. Childress appears weak, despite his attempt to show he was in control by waiving Moss. Given the Vikings disappointing season thus far, it is only a matter of time until he loses control of even more players. If they openly criticize him and his coaching strategies, will he fire them too?

In all likelihood, Randy Moss will be picked up by a team today who recognizes that his athleticism can help bring victories. They will know and accept the tradeoffs involved by signing Moss. He will be outspoken, brash and opinionated. But he will also be an effective offensive weapon and a very, very good catch.